Dave & Busters Entertainment Inc (PLAY)
NASDAQ:PLAY
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Earnings Data
Report Date
Sep 09, 2026Before Open (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q2)Consensus EPS Forecast
0.33Last Year’s EPS
0.32Same Quarter Last Year
Moderate Buy
Based on 6 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Neutral
The call acknowledged a clear top-line shortfall in Q1 (same-store sales down 5.4%) and near-term pressure from macro and weather, but it highlighted meaningful operational progress: a material free-cash-flow turnaround, successful lower-cost remodels delivering ~7% uplift, F&B strength (+5% comps), a renewed games/content investment program, disciplined CapEx guidance ($200M target), and leadership upgrades. Management provided concrete early evidence of recovery (Q2 comps improving to -4%, new games pacing strong) and maintained a >$100M free cash flow target for FY26. The positives and actionable initiatives showing early validation balance the notable near-term comps weakness, resulting in a measured but cautious outlook.Company Guidance
Free Cash Flow Turnaround
Generated $25 million of free cash flow in Q1 FY26 versus negative $59 million in Q1 FY25 — an $84 million improvement quarter over quarter, enabling debt reduction while continuing reinvestment.
Revenue, Profitability and Margin
Total revenue of $559 million in Q1 FY26; net income of $6 million ($0.16 per diluted share); adjusted net income of $8 million ($0.22 per diluted share); adjusted EBITDA of $123 million and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22%.
Food & Beverage (F&B) Strength
Comparable F&B same-store sales grew approximately 5% in Q1 and the company reported nine straight months of positive F&B same-store sales, driven by menu restoration and eat-and-play combos that increased attach rates.
Remodel Program Delivers High ROI
Launched a new, lower-cost remodel prototype (costs ~50% of prior remodels) with early results showing roughly a 700 basis point (≈7%) same-store sales uplift — similar sales lift to prior, more expensive remodels but at materially lower cost.
Games Investment and Content Refresh
Rolled out 10 new games (most since 2017) and plans at least 5 additional games in 2026; many new games are pacing among top revenue generators in their first weeks, validating renewed midway investment and proprietary/IP content strategy.
Successful World Cup Activation and Events
Launched a 360-degree World Cup activation including two soccer-inspired games, tournament-themed F&B, human-crane ticket placements, and a ticketed 'hat trick' watch experience (starting at $24.99) that attracted significant crowds and meaningful earned media.
Leadership and Organizational Strengthening
Added senior hires to strengthen the team — CMO Jeremy Tucker, Chief Technology & Digital Officer Kevin Fay, Chief Legal Officer Rachel Morgan, and appointed a dedicated games leader; a new COO announcement was forthcoming, signaling stronger management depth.
Capital Discipline & Lower CapEx Guidance
Net CapEx guidance for FY26 targeted at no more than $200 million (down from ~$270 million in FY25), with strict ROI thresholds and dynamic reallocation of capital toward higher-return initiatives.
New Store Economics and International Growth
Continued new store development with strong unit economics: current non-comp AUVs in mid-to-high $7M range and ~30%+ cash-on-cash returns; opened 1 domestic store in Q1 and 3 in Q2 to date, and international franchise expansion (5th in Australia, 6th in Delhi, Mexico City expected), with agreements for 30+ additional international franchise stores.
PLAY Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
PLAY Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Mar 31, 2026 | $10.83 | $12.57 | +16.07% |
Dec 09, 2025 | $17.97 | $20.31 | +13.02% |
Sep 15, 2025 | $24.19 | $20.14 | -16.74% |
Jun 10, 2025 | $25.87 | $30.46 | +17.74% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Dave & Busters Entertainment Inc (PLAY) report earnings?
Dave & Busters Entertainment Inc (PLAY) is schdueled to report earning on Sep 09, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
What is Dave & Busters Entertainment Inc (PLAY) earnings time?
Dave & Busters Entertainment Inc (PLAY) earnings time is at Sep 09, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is PLAY EPS forecast?
PLAY EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q2) is 0.33.
