Core Points - Dave & Buster's Entertainment has promoted Les Lehner to Chief Development Officer, succeeding John Mulleady who will retire on October 23, 2025 [1][2] - Mulleady will transition to an advisory role effective June 30, 2025, and will provide consulting services until January 31, 2026 [2] - The company has a pipeline of approximately 40 new stores expected to open over the next three years, indicating ongoing growth in development efforts [3] Company Overview - Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. operates 236 venues across North America, including 175 Dave & Buster's stores and 61 Main Event stores [5] - The company offers a combination of dining and entertainment experiences, allowing guests to "Eat Drink Play and Watch" in one location [5] - The venues feature a full menu, a variety of beverages, and numerous entertainment attractions such as arcade games and live sports viewing [5] Leadership Background - Les Lehner has been with the company since August 2022 as Chief Procurement Officer and Head of Main Event Development [4] - He has prior experience as Executive Vice President at Main Event Entertainment and Senior Vice President at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers [4] - Mulleady has served nearly 15 years at Dave & Buster's, leading the construction of over 100 new stores during his tenure [3]

Company Leadership Changes - Dave & Buster's has promoted Les Lehner to Chief Development Officer, previously serving as Chief Procurement Officer and Head of Main Event Development [1][4] - John Mulleady, the current Chief Development Officer, will retire on October 23, 2025, transitioning to an advisory role effective June 30, 2025, and will provide consulting services until January 31, 2026 [2][3] Leadership Transition Insights - Kevin Sheehan, Board Chair and Interim CEO, expressed gratitude for John Mulleady's nearly 15 years of service, highlighting his success in constructing over 100 new stores [3] - Les Lehner is expected to lead the development efforts with a well-developed pipeline of approximately 40 stores planned to open over the next three years [3] Company Overview - Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. operates 236 venues across North America, including 175 Dave & Buster's stores and 61 Main Event stores [5] - The company offers a combination of dining and entertainment experiences, featuring a full menu, a variety of beverages, and numerous entertainment attractions [5]

Core Viewpoint - The announcement discusses the potential impact of a takeover on Fly Play hf.'s operations, highlighting both opportunities and challenges that may arise from such a corporate action [2]. Group 1: Company Operations - A potential takeover could lead to significant changes in Fly Play hf.'s operational strategies, potentially enhancing efficiency and market reach [2]. - The company may experience shifts in management and organizational structure, which could affect employee morale and productivity [2]. - Financial implications of the takeover could include changes in capital allocation and investment priorities, impacting long-term growth prospects [2]. Group 2: Market Implications - The takeover could alter competitive dynamics within the airline industry, potentially leading to increased market consolidation [2]. - Stakeholder reactions, including customer sentiment and investor confidence, may fluctuate based on the perceived benefits or drawbacks of the takeover [2]. - Regulatory scrutiny may increase as the industry adapts to the new market landscape created by the takeover [2].

Core Insights - Dave & Buster's Entertainment shares experienced a significant increase of up to 19.2% despite a disappointing earnings report, ultimately settling at a 15.4% gain by midday [1] Financial Performance - In Q1, Dave & Buster's reported sales of $567.7 million, a decline of 3.5% year over year, falling short of the Wall Street expectation of $573.3 million [3] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share decreased from $1.12 to $0.76, compared to the analyst consensus of $1.01 per share [3] Management Commentary - Interim CEO Kevin Sheehan acknowledged the disappointing Q1 results but emphasized that the "back to basics" turnaround plan is showing positive effects [3][4] - Sheehan did not provide specific revenue or earnings guidance but reiterated the full-year spending targets previously set [4] Investor Sentiment - Investors reacted positively to management's optimistic commentary despite the weak financial results, indicating a level of confidence in the company's future [5] - The transition in leadership, following the departure of former CEO Chris Morris, has raised concerns, but Sheehan's comments have helped stabilize investor sentiment [6][7] Valuation Metrics - Dave & Buster's current valuation presents a mixed picture, with high multiples based on reported profits but a forward P/E ratio of 12.1, suggesting analysts anticipate a strong turnaround [7][8]

Core Insights - Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. reported first-quarter fiscal 2025 results with earnings missing expectations and revenues beating them, both metrics showing a year-over-year decline [1][4]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the fiscal first quarter were 76 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 96 cents, down from $1.12 in the prior year [4][10]. - Quarterly revenues totaled $567.7 million, exceeding the consensus mark of $564 million but declining 3.5% from $588.1 million in the previous year [4][10]. - Food and Beverage revenues, accounting for 35.4% of total revenues, decreased 0.6% year over year to $201.1 million [5]. - Entertainment revenues, making up 64.6% of total revenues, fell 5% year over year to $366.6 million [5]. Comparable Store Sales - Comparable store sales, including Main Event-branded locations, declined 8.3% year over year, but showed improvement sequentially, with a decline of 2.2% year over year through June 2, 2025 [6][10]. Operating Highlights - Operating income for the quarter was $63.2 million, down from $85.5 million in the prior year, with an operating margin contracting to 11.1% from 14.5% [7]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $136.1 million compared to $159.1 million in the year-earlier quarter, with the EBITDA margin declining to 24% from 27.1% [8]. Balance Sheet - As of May 5, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $11.9 million, up from $6.9 million as of February 4, 2025 [9]. - Net long-term debt was approximately $1.57 billion, an increase from $1.48 billion at the end of fiscal 2024 [9]. - The company maintains available liquidity of $423.2 million, including its revolving credit facility [9]. Store Development - During the fiscal first quarter, the company opened two new stores and completed one store relocation, with two additional stores opened since quarter-end and 13 remodels completed [11].

Financial Performance - For the quarter ended April 2025, Dave & Buster's reported revenue of $567.7 million, a decrease of 3.5% year-over-year [1] - EPS for the quarter was $0.76, down from $1.12 in the same quarter last year, indicating a significant decline [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $563.52 million by 0.74%, while the EPS fell short of the consensus estimate of $0.96 by 20.83% [1] Key Metrics - Comparable Store Sales decreased by 8.3%, worse than the estimated decline of 7.4% by analysts [4] - The total number of stores at the end of the period was 236, slightly above the average estimate of 235 [4] - Company-owned stores numbered 175, exceeding the estimate of 173, while Main Event stores matched the estimate of 61 [4] - Entertainment revenues were reported at $366.60 million, below the average estimate of $370.27 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 5% [4] - Food and beverage revenues reached $201.10 million, surpassing the estimated $193.21 million, but showed a slight decline of 0.6% compared to the previous year [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Dave & Buster's have returned 15.6%, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's return of 6.3% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell), suggesting potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Company Performance - Dave & Buster's reported quarterly earnings of $0.76 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.96 per share, and down from $1.12 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of -20.83% [1][2] - The company posted revenues of $567.7 million for the quarter, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.74%, but down from $588.1 million year-over-year [3] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.81 on revenues of $549.08 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $1.69 on revenues of $2.14 billion [8] - The estimate revisions trend for Dave & Buster's is currently unfavorable, resulting in a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell), indicating expected underperformance in the near future [7] Industry Context - The Retail - Restaurants industry, to which Dave & Buster's belongs, is currently in the bottom 25% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting that the outlook for the industry can significantly impact stock performance [9] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can be tracked by investors [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, same store sales decreased by 8.3% compared to the prior year, with February seeing a decline of 11.9% [18] - Revenue for the quarter was $568 million, with net income of $22 million or $0.62 per diluted share, and adjusted EBITDA of $136 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 24% [19][20] - Operating cash flow generated during the quarter was $96 million, ending with $12 million in cash and $411 million available under the revolving credit facility [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen improvements in food and beverage sales since April, driven by the successful reintroduction of the eat and play combo [11][12] - Remodeled stores have outperformed the system by over 700 basis points over the last three months [12] - The introduction of the all-you-can-play option has seen a 30% upgrade rate among guests [67] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Positive same store sales were recorded in 11 of the last 30 days leading into the summer season [9] - The company is experiencing strong weekend growth, outpacing weekday performance, indicating effective marketing strategies [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a "back to basics" strategy aimed at improving execution and driving revenue growth [6][8] - New store development remains a key part of the strategy, with plans for 10 to 12 new store openings in fiscal 2025 [21][22] - International franchising is seen as a driver of efficient growth, with agreements for over 35 additional stores secured [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery trajectory, emphasizing the importance of executing their current strategies to drive revenue and free cash flow [7][8] - The leadership team is optimistic about the potential for significant improvements in financial performance in the coming months [6][7] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by the macroeconomic environment but believes their initiatives will help mitigate these impacts [60][61] Other Important Information - The company is actively refining its marketing strategies and has rebalanced media spending to improve brand awareness [9][10] - A new store manager incentive program has been implemented to drive same store sales growth [37][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Predictability of same store sales trajectory - Management indicated that while they are optimistic about growth, they are still in the early stages of recovery and expect outsized growth in the coming years [25][26] Question: Breakdown of capital expenditures - Management confirmed that capital expenditures were front-end loaded due to new store openings and remodels, with specific allocations provided for new stores, remodels, games, and maintenance [28][30] Question: Improved same store sales trend details - The improvement is primarily driven by increased traffic, with a focus on peak hours and better food and beverage growth [33][34] Question: Key initiatives contributing to sales improvement - Management highlighted the effectiveness of the eat and play combo and increased brand awareness through marketing initiatives as key contributors [42][43] Question: Need for reinvestment in the business - Management believes that smarter spending will benefit the business without the need for significant reinvestment, focusing on effective marketing and operational improvements [46][48] Question: New game cabinets and future outlook - The company plans to roll out eight new cabinets and two new attractions, maintaining a consistent number of new games per location [52][53] Question: Differences in performance between walk-in and events business - The special events business has outpaced walk-in performance, with both Dave and Buster's and Main Event showing similar trends [84][85]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, same store sales decreased by 8.3% compared to the prior year, with a notable decline of 11.9% in February, but improved to a decline of 4.3% in April [18][19] - Revenue for the quarter was $568 million, with net income of $22 million or $0.62 per diluted share, and adjusted EBITDA of $136 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 24% [19][20] - Operating cash flow generated during the quarter was $96 million, ending with $12 million in cash and $411 million available under the revolving credit facility [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen improvements in food and beverage sales, particularly with the reintroduction of the eat and play combo, which has a double-digit opt-in rate [11][12] - Remodeled stores have outperformed the system by over 700 basis points over the last three months, indicating the effectiveness of the remodel strategy [12] - The introduction of new games and attractions, such as the Human Crane, is expected to enhance guest experience and drive traffic [13][55] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported positive same store sales in 11 of the last 30 days, indicating a recovery trend [8] - The Memorial Day weekend showed particularly strong sales, contributing to the positive momentum observed in early June [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a "back to basics" strategy aimed at improving execution across marketing, operations, and menu offerings [6][7] - New store development remains a key part of the strategy, with plans for 10 to 12 new store openings in fiscal 2025 [21][80] - International franchising is seen as a driver of efficient growth, with expectations for at least seven more international openings over the next year [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery trajectory, emphasizing the importance of executing their current strategies to drive revenue growth and free cash flow [7][15] - The leadership team is optimistic about the potential for significant improvements in operating performance and shareholder value in the coming months [7][93] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by the macroeconomic environment but believes their initiatives will help mitigate these impacts [62] Other Important Information - The company is in the process of finalizing the search for a permanent CEO, with the interim CEO committed to driving performance improvements [15] - A new store manager incentive program has been implemented to align managers' interests with same store sales growth [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Predictability of same store sales trajectory - Management indicated that while they are optimistic about future growth, they are still in the early stages of recovery and expect to see outsized growth in the coming years [24][26] Question: Breakdown of capital expenditures - The CFO confirmed that capital expenditures were front-end loaded, with significant spending on new stores and remodels [28][30] Question: Improvement in same store sales trends - Management noted that improvements are driven by increased traffic and better food and beverage sales, particularly through the eat and play combo [34][35] Question: Need for reinvestment in the business - Management stated that they do not foresee the need for significant reinvestment but will focus on smarter spending to drive growth [47][50] Question: New game cabinets and future outlook - The company plans to roll out new game cabinets and attractions, maintaining a focus on guest experience and engagement [54][56] Question: Differences in performance between Dave and Buster's and Main Event - Overall performance is similar, but there are specific metrics showing stronger growth in certain areas for Dave and Buster's [90]

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED May 6, 2025 OR ¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO Commission File No. 001-35664 Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) | (State of Incorporation) | (I.R.S. Employer ID ...