Dave & Buster's Entertainment Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 0/6
Dave & Buster's Entertainment has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 12.9%, while the Hospitality industry saw earnings growing at 37.5% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 17.9% per year.
Key information
12.92%
Earnings growth rate
14.54%
EPS growth rate
| Hospitality Industry Growth | 19.52% |
| Revenue growth rate | 17.94% |
| Return on equity | -53.40% |
| Net Margin | -2.32% |
| Last Earnings Update | 03 Feb 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • May 09
PLAY: Index Removals And Margin Reset Will Drive Bullish Repricing
Analyst price targets for Dave & Buster's Entertainment have moved lower by several dollars per share, with firms citing updated views on earnings power and valuation. These updates reflect a slightly higher discount rate, a modestly adjusted revenue growth outlook, and a revised future P/E assumption in the latest model update.Narrative Update • Apr 23
PLAY: Index Removals And Margin Outlook Will Shape Future Repricing
The analyst price target for Dave & Buster's Entertainment has been reset from $19.00 to $13.00 as analysts factor in more conservative revenue growth assumptions, higher projected profit margins, and a lower future P/E multiple. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates point to a more cautious stance on Dave & Buster's Entertainment, with several bearish analysts resetting their price targets lower and aligning around a more conservative outlook on the shares.
Narrative Update • Apr 09
PLAY: Expected Same Store Sales Inflection Will Support Traffic And Earnings Recovery
Narrative Update: Dave & Buster's Entertainment Analysts have reduced the price target for Dave & Buster's Entertainment by $7.35 to $18.88, reflecting updated assumptions for slower revenue growth, a slimmer profit margin, and a higher future P/E multiple. Analyst Commentary Recent research has focused on recalibrating expectations for Dave & Buster's Entertainment, with several firms adjusting price targets and one prior upgrade highlighting potential upside tied to same store sales trends.Narrative Update • Mar 26
PLAY: Expected Same Store Sales Inflection Will Drive Bullish Repricing
Analysts have lifted their fair value estimate for Dave & Buster's Entertainment from $18.00 to $19.00, citing expectations for an inflection in same store sales, as well as slightly stronger revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E assumptions. Analyst Commentary Even with a higher fair value estimate, not every analyst is leaning positive on Dave & Buster's Entertainment.Narrative Update • Mar 08
PLAY: Expected Same Store Sales Inflection Will Support Bullish Repricing
Analysts have nudged their price target for Dave & Buster's Entertainment from $18.00 to $18.00, reflecting slightly adjusted assumptions around revenue growth, profit margins, the discount rate, and future P/E. These adjustments are supported by recent research that points to a possible same store sales inflection.Narrative Update • Feb 22
PLAY: Expected Same Store Sales Inflection Will Gradually Improve Traffic And Earnings Power
Analysts have adjusted their price target on Dave & Buster's Entertainment to about $26.22 from roughly $25.75, citing expectations for a same store sales inflection and modest tweaks to the discount rate, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions. Analyst Commentary Recent research suggests that bullish analysts see room for Dave & Buster's Entertainment to re-rate if the business can deliver on key operating and financial assumptions tied to same store sales and profitability.Seeking Alpha • Feb 17
Dave & Buster's Entertainment Is An Exciting Turnaround That's In Play
Summary Dave & Buster's Entertainment remains a speculative "Buy" despite recent revenue and profit declines, driven by margin compression and rising leverage. PLAY's differentiated large-format venues and dual-brand strategy offer unique positioning, but entertainment revenue and cost pressures have weighed on results. Strategic initiatives—menu innovation, store remodels, and renewed TV advertising—are showing early signs of improved food sales and customer engagement. Valuation is compelling: PLAY trades at the lowest EV/EBITDA among peers and maintains a relatively strong balance sheet, supporting cautious optimism. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Feb 08
PLAY: Same Store Sales Inflection Will Support Higher Future P/E Multiple
Analysts have trimmed their fair value estimate for Dave & Buster's Entertainment from $44.51 to $42.68, citing updated assumptions for slightly higher revenue growth, profit margins, and a higher future P/E multiple following recent upbeat research on potential same store sales improvement. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts are leaning into a more upbeat view on Dave & Buster's Entertainment, pointing to potential improvement in same store sales as a key support for their updated work.Narrative Update • Jan 25
PLAY: Softer Traffic And Margins Will Undermine Hoped For Sales Inflection
Analysts have trimmed their fair value estimate for Dave & Buster's Entertainment from $29.00 to $18.00, reflecting updated views on same store sales trends, traffic expectations, profit margins, and a higher assumed discount rate, even as some research points to a potential same store sales inflection. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Dave & Buster's Entertainment presents a mixed backdrop for investors, with some firms highlighting the prospect of a same store sales inflection while others are more guarded.Analysis Article • Jan 22
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAY) Held Back By Insufficient Growth Even After Shares Climb 32%
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PLAY ) shares have had a really impressive month, gaining 32% after a...Narrative Update • Jan 11
PLAY: New Leadership Actions Will Gradually Improve Traffic Despite Near Term Softness
Analysts have trimmed their fair value estimate for Dave & Buster's Entertainment from $26.50 to $25.75, citing softer near term same store sales and traffic expectations, even as new leadership initiatives take shape. Analyst Commentary Recent research coverage frames Dave & Buster's as a name where execution over the next few quarters matters more than long term storylines.Narrative Update • Dec 26
PLAY: New Leadership Initiatives Will Gradually Revive Traffic Despite Near Term Weakness
Analysts have modestly raised their price target on Dave & Buster's Entertainment, reflecting cautious optimism that new leadership initiatives can eventually offset near term traffic and same store sales softness highlighted in recent research. Analyst Commentary Analyst reactions to the updated outlook on Dave & Buster's Entertainment reflect a mix of guarded optimism and ongoing concern about the pace of the turnaround, with views clustering around a neutral stance on valuation and near term execution risk.Narrative Update • Dec 12
PLAY: New Leadership Will Drive Traffic Recovery Despite Ongoing Consumer Headwinds
Analysts have trimmed their fair value estimate for Dave & Buster's Entertainment to $26.50 from $27.88, reflecting softer near term same store sales and traffic trends, despite modestly improving revenue growth and profit margin assumptions. Analyst Commentary Recent Street commentary reflects a cautious but engaged stance on Dave & Buster's, with valuation resets largely driven by concerns over near term execution and consumer demand rather than long term viability of the concept.Analysis Article • Dec 05
Improved Revenues Required Before Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAY) Stock's 28% Jump Looks Justified
Those holding Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PLAY ) shares would be relieved that the share price has...Narrative Update • Nov 28
PLAY: New Leadership Will Drive Operational Improvements Despite Consumer Headwinds
Analysts have lowered their average price target for Dave & Buster's Entertainment to approximately $27.88 from $29.57. They cite concerns about soft same-store sales and ongoing consumer pressures, even as new management initiatives are being introduced.Analysis Article • Nov 21
Is Now The Time To Look At Buying Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAY)?
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PLAY ), is not the largest company out there, but it saw significant share...Analysis Article • Oct 08
Benign Growth For Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAY) Underpins Stock's 25% Plummet
Unfortunately for some shareholders, the Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PLAY ) share price has dived 25...Analysis Article • Sep 18
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. Just Missed EPS By 65%: Here's What Analysts Think Will Happen Next
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PLAY ) shareholders are probably feeling a little disappointed, since its...Narrative Update • Sep 17
Returning To Basics And TV Advertising Will Transform Operations
Analysts have lowered their price target for Dave & Buster’s Entertainment due to weaker-than-expected sales momentum and earnings, ongoing macroeconomic and consumer headwinds, and near-term uncertainty despite potential longer-term sales drivers, resulting in a reduced fair value from $32.71 to $29.57. Analyst Commentary Deceleration in same-store sales despite easier year-over-year comparisons, impacted by growing macroeconomic headwinds and mounting consumer pressures.Analysis Article • Sep 10
Dave & Buster's Entertainment (NASDAQ:PLAY) Seems To Be Using A Lot Of Debt
Warren Buffett famously said, 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk.' When we think about how risky a company...Analysis Article • Aug 23
What You Can Learn From Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:PLAY) P/E After Its 26% Share Price Crash
The Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PLAY ) share price has softened a substantial 26% over the previous 30...Analysis Article • Jul 12
A Look At The Fair Value Of Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAY)
Key Insights Dave & Buster's Entertainment's estimated fair value is US$38.75 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity...Analysis Article • Jun 24
Earnings Tell The Story For Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAY) As Its Stock Soars 54%
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PLAY ) shareholders have had their patience rewarded with a 54% share...Analysis Article • Jun 21
We Think You Can Look Beyond Dave & Buster's Entertainment's (NASDAQ:PLAY) Lackluster Earnings
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:PLAY ) recent soft profit numbers didn't appear to worry shareholders...Analysis Article • May 29
These 4 Measures Indicate That Dave & Buster's Entertainment (NASDAQ:PLAY) Is Using Debt In A Risky Way
Legendary fund manager Li Lu (who Charlie Munger backed) once said, 'The biggest investment risk is not the volatility...Analysis Article • May 09
A Piece Of The Puzzle Missing From Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:PLAY) 31% Share Price Climb
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PLAY ) shareholders are no doubt pleased to see that the share price has...Seeking Alpha • Apr 08
Dave & Buster's Q4 Earnings: Share Buybacks Gone Wrong (Rating Downgrade)
Summary Despite strong EBITDA figures, Dave & Buster's has no free cash flow and an increasing debt load, making it a poor investment. Management's continued share repurchases amid high leverage and negative free cash flow depict poor capital allocation. PLAY stock's valuation at 1x EBITDA is misleading due to the lack of topline growth and a negative balance sheet. Until financial issues are resolved and earnings convert to real cash, I recommend avoiding PLAY. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Mar 05
Market Cool On Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:PLAY) Earnings Pushing Shares 29% Lower
To the annoyance of some shareholders, Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PLAY ) shares are down a...Seeking Alpha • Feb 24
Dave & Buster's: A Polarizing, High-Risk Turnaround Play
Summary Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc.’s has continued to struggle with underperforming sales, caused by consumer weakness, location remodeling, and other transitory factors, but also seemingly by weak consumer interest in the brand. Earnings have continued to trail as Dave & Buster's profitability measures are more than offset by weak traffic. Dave & Buster's has continued to invest heavily, and insider buys also signal the management's remaining confidence after CEO Chris Morris left the company. Due to an uncertain earnings performance, continued investments, and high debt, PLAY stock is a very polarized bet on a turnaround with the potential for high upside or losses. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Feb 10
Is Dave & Buster's Entertainment (NASDAQ:PLAY) A Risky Investment?
Warren Buffett famously said, 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk.' So it might be obvious that you need to...Analysis Article • Dec 29
Slammed 26% Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAY) Screens Well Here But There Might Be A Catch
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PLAY ) shareholders won't be pleased to see that the share price has had a...Analysis Article • Dec 18
Investors Can Find Comfort In Dave & Buster's Entertainment's (NASDAQ:PLAY) Earnings Quality
Investors were disappointed with the weak earnings posted by Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PLAY ). While...Analysis Article • Dec 14
US$39.71: That's What Analysts Think Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLAY) Is Worth After Its Latest Results
The analysts might have been a bit too bullish on Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PLAY ), given that the...Seeking Alpha • Dec 12
Dave & Buster's: Look Out Below
Summary Dave & Buster's shares plummeted 20% due to weak Q3 results, CEO resignation, and lack of guidance, signaling potential further declines. The stock is at critical support levels, with poor momentum indicators suggesting no sustainable bottom. Fundamentals show declining revenue, negative comparable sales, and worsening margins, with no clear path to recovery. Despite a low forward P/E ratio, ongoing challenges and uncertainties make the stock a Strong Sell. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Dec 04
Dave & Buster's: Might Be A Bonus Life, But I'm Not Playing This Round
Summary Dave & Buster's faces declining comparable sales and average check growth despite increased foot traffic, driven by discretionary spending cuts and competition from in-home entertainment. The company is investing heavily in remodeling and new locations, but this strains free cash flow and necessitates more debt, posing future financial risks. Premium menu offerings and cross-selling strategies aim to boost average check growth, but the high cost perception among customers remains a challenge. Valuation models suggest D&B is slightly undervalued with a price target of $42-$43, leading to a 'Hold' rating amid uncertain turnaround prospects. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaRevenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Dave & Buster's Entertainment makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03 Feb 26 | 2,103 | -49 | 431 | 0 |
| 04 Nov 25 | 2,108 | 0 | 425 | 0 |
| 05 Aug 25 | 2,113 | 10 | 418 | 0 |
| 06 May 25 | 2,112 | 39 | 403 | 0 |
| 04 Feb 25 | 2,133 | 58 | 394 | 0 |
| 05 Nov 24 | 2,197 | 85 | 596 | 0 |
| 06 Aug 24 | 2,211 | 113 | 527 | 0 |
| 05 May 24 | 2,196 | 98 | 461 | 0 |
| 04 Feb 24 | 2,205 | 127 | 404 | 0 |
| 29 Oct 23 | 2,170 | 130 | 191 | 0 |
| 30 Jul 23 | 2,184 | 137 | 193 | 0 |
| 30 Apr 23 | 2,111 | 140 | 187 | 0 |
| 29 Jan 23 | 1,964 | 137 | 377 | 0 |
| 30 Oct 22 | 1,744 | 124 | 106 | 0 |
| 31 Jul 22 | 1,581 | 132 | 99 | 0 |
| 01 May 22 | 1,490 | 156 | 96 | 0 |
| 30 Jan 22 | 1,304 | 109 | 116 | 0 |
| 31 Oct 21 | 1,078 | 26 | 77 | 0 |
| 01 Aug 21 | 869 | -32 | 67 | 0 |
| 02 May 21 | 542 | -144 | 59 | 0 |
| 31 Jan 21 | 437 | -207 | 58 | 0 |
| 01 Nov 20 | 667 | -125 | 68 | 0 |
| 02 Aug 20 | 857 | -77 | 74 | 0 |
| 03 May 20 | 1,151 | 14 | 83 | 0 |
| 02 Feb 20 | 1,355 | 100 | 88 | 0 |
| 03 Nov 19 | 1,339 | 105 | 87 | 0 |
| 04 Aug 19 | 1,322 | 116 | 86 | 0 |
| 05 May 19 | 1,297 | 118 | 86 | 0 |
| 03 Feb 19 | 1,265 | 117 | 85 | 0 |
| 04 Nov 18 | 1,238 | 123 | 94 | 0 |
| 05 Aug 18 | 1,206 | 124 | 93 | 0 |
| 06 May 18 | 1,168 | 120 | 92 | 0 |
| 04 Feb 18 | 1,140 | 121 | 81 | 0 |
| 29 Oct 17 | 1,105 | 113 | 85 | 0 |
| 30 Jul 17 | 1,084 | 111 | 84 | 0 |
| 30 Apr 17 | 1,047 | 102 | 81 | 0 |
| 29 Jan 17 | 1,005 | 91 | 78 | 0 |
| 30 Oct 16 | 969 | 86 | 76 | 0 |
| 31 Jul 16 | 933 | 80 | 73 | 0 |
| 01 May 16 | 906 | 71 | 73 | 0 |
| 31 Jan 16 | 867 | 60 | 73 | 0 |
| 01 Nov 15 | 840 | 51 | 61 | 0 |
| 02 Aug 15 | 811 | 42 | 61 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: PLAY is currently unprofitable.
Growing Profit Margin: PLAY is currently unprofitable.
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: PLAY is unprofitable, but has reduced losses over the past 5 years at a rate of 12.9% per year.
Accelerating Growth: Unable to compare PLAY's earnings growth over the past year to its 5-year average as it is currently unprofitable
Earnings vs Industry: PLAY is unprofitable, making it difficult to compare its past year earnings growth to the Hospitality industry (18.5%).
Return on Equity
High ROE: PLAY has a negative Return on Equity (-53.4%), as it is currently unprofitable.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/11 00:58 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/11 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/02/03 |
| Annual Earnings | 2026/02/03 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. is covered by 16 analysts. 10 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Michael Hickey | Benchmark Company |
| Andrew Strelzik | BMO Capital Markets Equity Research |
| Lynne Collier | Canaccord Genuity |