EX-99.1 2 q42023resultspressrelease.htm EX-99.1 Document

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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% compared to 2022
•Another record year for Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA
•Revenue of $297 million for Q4 2023 and $1.2 billion for YE 2023
•Net income of $16 million for Q4 2023 and $46 million for YE 2023
•Adjusted EBITDA of $45 million for Q4 2023 and $181 million for YE 2023
•Illinois same store sales growth was 1% for Q4 2023 and 3% for YE 2023
•2023 ended with $281 million of net debt, a decrease of 12% compared to 2022
•Repurchased $14 million of Accel Class A-1 common stock for Q4 2023 and $30 million for YE 2023

Accel CEO Andy Rubenstein commented, “I am excited to report that Accel had another record-setting year in 2023. Our continued success demonstrates the long-term viability of focusing on the local gaming market. We continue to explore opportunities throughout the country to expand our reach as an industry leader and remain committed to providing value and positive returns to our investors.”

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Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Data
(in thousands)Three Months Ended December 31,Year Ended
December 31,
2023202220232022
Total net revenues$297,068 $278,070 $1,170,420 $969,797 
Operating income25,451 25,094 107,407 96,855 
Income before income tax expense19,377 17,535 65,724 94,762 
Net income15,988 13,406 45,603 74,102 
Other Financial Data:
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
44,577 43,309 181,445 162,392 
Adjusted net income (2)
21,953 20,822 82,520 79,875 
(1)Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income plus amortization of intangible assets and route and customer acquisition costs; (gain) loss on change in fair value of contingent earnout shares; stock-based compensation expense; other expenses, net; tax effect of adjustments; depreciation and amortization of property and equipment; interest expense, net; emerging markets; and income tax expense. For additional information on Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures—Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income.”
(2)
Adjusted net income is defined as net income plus amortization of intangible assets and route and customer acquisition costs; (gain) loss on change in fair value of contingent earnout shares; stock-based compensation expense; other expenses, net; and tax effect of adjustments. For additional information on Adjusted net income and a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted net income, see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures— Adjusted net income and Adjusted EBITDA.”

(in thousands)Three Months Ended December 31,Year Ended
December 31,
2023202220232022
Total net revenues by state:
Illinois$219,297 $206,917 $867,200 $808,652 
Montana39,314 35,357 154,402 79,639 
Nevada29,241 29,630 117,074 66,989 
Nebraska5,830 3,168 19,043 5,217 
All other3,386 2,998 12,701 9,300 
Total net revenues$297,068 $278,070 $1,170,420 $969,797 


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Key Business Metrics

Locations (1)
As of December 31,
20232022
Illinois2,762 2,648 
Montana609 610 
Nevada352 340 
Nebraska238 143 
Total locations3,961 3,741 

Gaming terminals (1)
As of December 31,
20232022
Illinois15,276 14,397 
Montana6,276 6,108 
Nevada2,704 2,645 
Nebraska827 391 
  Total gaming terminals25,083 23,541 

(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.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Data 
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)20232022
Net cash provided by operating activities$132,530 $107,999 
Net cash used in investing activities(59,793)(189,263)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(35,239)106,591

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 Three Months Ended December 31,Year Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)2023202220232022
Net income$15,988 $13,406 $45,603 $74,102 
Adjustments:
Amortization of intangible assets and route and customer acquisition costs(1)
5,386 5,206 21,211 17,484 
Stock-based compensation(2)
2,443 1,884 9,416 6,840 
(Gain) loss on change in fair value of contingent earnout shares(3)
(2,524)(47)8,539 (19,544)
Other expenses, net(4)
1,446 1,426 6,453 9,320 
Tax effect of adjustments(5)
(786)(1,053)(8,702)(8,327)
Adjusted net income21,953 20,822 82,520 79,875 
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment9,992 8,720 37,906 29,295 
Interest expense, net8,598 7,606 33,144 21,637 
Emerging markets(6)
(142)979 (948)2,598 
Income tax expense4,176 5,182 28,823 28,987 
Adjusted EBITDA$44,577 $43,309 $181,445 $162,392 
(1)Amortization of intangible assets and route and customer acquisition costs consist of upfront cash payments and future cash payments to third-party sales agents to acquire the location partners that are not connected with a business acquisition, as well as the amortization of other intangible assets. We amortize the upfront cash payment over the life of the contract, including expected renewals, beginning on the date the location goes live, and recognizes non-cash amortization charges with respect to such items. Future or deferred cash payments, which may occur based on terms of the underlying contract, are generally lower in the aggregate as compared to established practice of providing higher upfront payments, and are also capitalized and amortized over the remaining life of the contract. Future cash payments do not include cash costs associated with renewing customer contracts as we do not generally incur significant costs as a result of extension or renewal of an existing contract. Location contracts acquired in a business combination are recorded at fair value as part of the business combination accounting and then amortized as an intangible asset on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life of the contract of 15 years. “Amortization of intangible assets and route and customer acquisition costs” aggregates the non-cash amortization charges relating to upfront route and customer acquisition cost payments and location contracts acquired, as well as the amortization of other intangible assets.
(2)Stock-based compensation consists of options, restricted stock units, performance-based stock units, and warrants.
(3)(Gain) loss on change in fair value of contingent earnout shares represents a non-cash fair value adjustment at each reporting period end related to the value of these contingent shares. Upon achieving certain exchange conditions, shares of Class A-2 common stock convert to Class A-1 common stock resulting in a non-cash settlement of the obligation.
(4)Other expenses, net 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, and (iii) other non-recurring expenses.
(5)Calculated by excluding the impact of the non-GAAP adjustments from the current period tax provision calculations.
(6)Emerging markets consist of 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. We currently view Iowa and Pennsylvania as emerging markets. Prior to April 2023, Nebraska was considered an emerging market. Prior to July 2022, Georgia was considered an emerging market.
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Reconciliation of Debt to Net Debt
As of December 31,
(in thousands)20232022
Debt, net of current maturities$514,091 $518,566 
Plus: Current maturities of debt28,48323,466
Less: Cash and cash equivalents(261,611)(224,113)
  Net debt$280,963 $317,919 
Conference Call
Accel will host an investor conference call on February 28, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. Central time (5:30 p.m. Eastern time) to discuss these financial and operating results. Interested parties may join the live webcast by registering at https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=6a462f7f&confId=59904 or accessing the webcast via the company’s investor relations website: ir.accelentertainment.com. Following completion of the call, a replay of the webcast will be posted on Accel’s investor relations website.
About Accel
Accel is a leading distributed gaming operator in the United States and a preferred partner for local business owners in the markets it serves. Accel 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. Accel installs, maintains, operates and services gaming terminals and related equipment for its location partners as well as redemption devices, stand-alone ATMs and amusement devices, including jukeboxes, dartboards, pool tables, and other entertainment related equipment. Accel also designs and manufactures gaming terminals and related equipment.
Media Contact:
Eric Bonach
Abernathy MacGregor
212-371-5999
ejb@abmac.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release 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 press release are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, any statements regarding our estimates of number of gaming terminals, locations, revenues, Adjusted EBITDA and capital expenditures. The words “predict,” “estimated,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “would,” “continue,” and similar expressions or the negatives thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent our current reasonable expectations and involve known and unknown 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, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the forward-looking statements, and you should be aware that results and events could differ materially and adversely from those contained in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors including, but not limited to: Accel’s ability to operate in existing markets or expand into new jurisdictions; Accel’s ability to offer new and innovative products and
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services that fulfill the needs of location partners and create strong and sustained player appeal; Accel’s dependence on relationships with key manufacturers, developers and third parties to obtain gaming terminals, amusement machines, and related supplies, programs, and technologies for its business on acceptable terms; the negative impact on Accel’s future results of operations by the slow growth in demand for gaming terminals and by the slow growth of new gaming jurisdictions; Accel’s heavy dependency on its ability to win, maintain and renew contracts with location partners; unfavorable macroeconomic conditions or decreased discretionary spending due to other factors such as interest rate volatility, persistent inflation, actual or perceived instability in the U.S. and global banking systems, high fuel rates, recessions, epidemics or other public health issues, terrorist activity or threat thereof, civil unrest or other macroeconomic or political uncertainties, that could adversely affect Accel’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial conditions and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in documents filed or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Accordingly, forward-looking statements, including any projections or analysis, should not be viewed as factual and should not be relied upon as an accurate prediction of future results. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Accel. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control), or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Accel with the SEC, as well as Accel’s other filings with the SEC. Except as required by law, we do not undertake publicly to update or revise these statements, even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed in this or other press releases or future quarterly reports, or company statements will not be realized. In addition, the inclusion of any statement in this press release does not constitute an admission by us that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. In addition, the industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors including those described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Accel with the SEC, as well as Accel’s other filings with the SEC. These and other factors could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed in this press release.
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, Adjusted net income, and Net Debt. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, and Net Debt are non-GAAP financial measures and are key metrics used to monitor ongoing core operations. Management of Accel believes Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, and Net Debt enhance the understanding of Accel’s underlying drivers of profitability and trends in Accel’s business and facilitates company-to-company and period-to-period comparisons, because these non-GAAP financial measures exclude the effects of certain non-cash items, represents certain nonrecurring items that are unrelated to core performance, or excludes non-core operations. Management of Accel also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are used by investors, analysts and other interested parties as measures of financial performance.

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Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, and Net Debt
Although Accel excludes amortization of intangible assets and route and customer acquisition costs from Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income, Accel believes that it is important for investors to understand that these route, customer and other intangible assets contribute to revenue generation. Any future acquisitions may result in amortization of intangible assets and route and customer acquisition costs.
Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, and Net Debt are not recognized terms under GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income, and these measures may vary among companies. These non-GAAP financial measures are unaudited and have important limitations as an analytical tool, should not be viewed in isolation and do not purport to be alternatives to net income as indicators of operating performance.

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ACCEL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Years ended December 31,
202320222021
Revenues:
Net gaming $1,113,573 $925,009 $705,784 
Amusement23,973 21,106 16,667 
Manufacturing 13,353 7,621 — 
ATM fees and other19,521 16,061 12,256 
Total net revenues1,170,420 969,797 734,707 
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense shown below)809,524 666,126 494,032 
Cost of manufacturing goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense shown below)7,671 4,775 — 
General and administrative180,248 145,942 110,818 
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment37,906 29,295 24,636 
Amortization of intangible assets and route and customer acquisition costs21,211 17,484 22,040 
Other expenses, net6,453 9,320 12,989 
Total operating expenses1,063,013 872,942 664,515 
Operating income107,407 96,855 70,192 
Interest expense, net33,144 21,637 12,702 
Loss (gain) on change in fair value of contingent earnout shares8,539 (19,544)9,762 
Loss on debt extinguishment— — 1,152 
Income before income tax expense65,724 94,762 46,576 
Income tax expense20,121 20,660 15,017 
Net income$45,603 $74,102 $31,559 
Earnings per common share:
Basic$0.53 $0.82 $0.34 
Diluted0.53 0.81 0.33 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic85,949 90,629 93,781 
Diluted86,803 91,229 94,638 

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ACCEL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except par value and share amounts)
December 31,
20232022
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$261,611 $224,113 
Accounts receivable, net13,467 11,166 
Prepaid expenses6,287 7,407 
Inventories7,681 6,941 
Interest rate caplets8,140 8,555 
Investment in convertible notes— 32,065 
Other current assets15,408 8,965 
Total current assets312,594 299,212 
Property and equipment, net260,813 211,844 
Noncurrent assets:
Route and customer acquisition costs, net19,188 18,342 
Location contracts acquired, net176,311 189,343 
Goodwill101,554 100,707 
Other intangible assets, net20,542 22,979 
Interest rate caplets, net of current4,871 11,364 
Other assets17,020 8,978 
Total noncurrent assets339,486 351,713 
Total assets$912,893 $862,769 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of debt$28,483 $23,466 
Current portion of route and customer acquisition costs payable1,505 1,487 
Accrued location gaming expense9,350 7,791 
Accrued state gaming expense18,364 16,605 
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses36,012 22,302 
Accrued compensation and related expenses12,648 10,607 
Current portion of consideration payable3,288 7,647 
Total current liabilities109,650 89,905 
Long-term liabilities:
Debt, net of current maturities514,091 518,566 
Route and customer acquisition costs payable, less current portion4,955 5,137 
Consideration payable, less current portion4,201 6,872 
Contingent earnout share liability31,827 23,288 
Other long-term liabilities7,015 3,390 
Deferred income tax liability42,750 37,021 
Total long-term liabilities604,839 594,274 
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred Stock, par value of $0.0001; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
— — 
Class A-1 Common Stock, par value $0.0001; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 95,016,960 shares issued and 84,123,385 shares outstanding at December 31, 2023; 94,504,051 shares issued and 86,674,390 shares outstanding at December 31, 20228 9 
Additional paid-in capital203,046 194,157 
Treasury stock, at cost(112,070)(81,697)
Accumulated other comprehensive income7,936 12,240 
Accumulated earnings99,484 53,881 
Total stockholders' equity198,404 178,590 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$912,893 $862,769 

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