It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Dave & Buster's (PLAY) . Shares have added about 22.7% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Dave & Buster's due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Th ...

Core Insights - PLAY experienced a 5% year-over-year increase in passenger numbers, carrying 128,119 passengers in April 2025 compared to 122,217 in April 2024, indicating strong demand in core markets and a well-aligned route network for early summer [1] Passenger Metrics - The load factor decreased to 82.6% in April 2025 from 85.1% in April 2024, attributed to a shift towards leisure-oriented destinations which typically have lower load factors but higher yields [2] - The share of passengers traveling from Iceland rose to 36.9% in April 2025, up from 30.0% the previous year, while the share traveling to Iceland increased to 31.8% from 27.0%. Conversely, VIA traffic share decreased to 31.3% from 43.0% [3] Operational Performance - PLAY achieved an on-time performance rate of 92.7% in April 2025, an improvement from 89.4% in April 2024, reflecting the airline's focus on schedule reliability and service quality [4] Future Outlook - The forward load factor and unit revenue for the upcoming summer months are trending above 2024 levels, with strong demand to and from Iceland. The recent launch of flights to Antalya, Turkey, and Faro, Portugal, is expected to enhance PLAY's position in the leisure market [5] Executive Commentary - The CEO of PLAY stated that the performance in April demonstrates the effectiveness of the company's strategy, highlighting solid demand across markets and the profitability of leisure routes despite lower load factors. The company is well-positioned for a successful summer with strong on-time performance and encouraging forward bookings [6]

Core Points - Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. announced the nomination of Allen R. Weiss and Nathaniel J. Lipman for election to its Board of Directors, with existing members Michael Griffith, Gail Mandel, and Jennifer Storms not seeking reelection [1][2] - The nominations come at a pivotal time for the company, as stated by Kevin Sheehan, Board Chair and Interim CEO, highlighting the nominees' industry expertise and value creation track records [2] About Allen R. Weiss - Allen R. Weiss has extensive experience in the entertainment industry, having served on various boards including Dick's Sporting Goods and CEC Entertainment, and was the former president of worldwide operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, a business exceeding $10 billion with 95,000 employees [3] - Weiss has over 20 years of executive experience in finance, marketing, sales, and operations, holding an MBA and a Bachelor's in Business Administration [3] About Nathaniel (Nat) J. Lipman - Nathaniel J. Lipman has significant experience as a director for both public and private companies, including roles at United Parks & Resorts and Trusted Media Brands, and has served on boards of companies like Diamond Resorts International and Redbox Automated Holdings [4] - Lipman has a background in legal and finance roles within the travel and entertainment industry, with a Juris Doctor degree and a Bachelor's in Political Economy [4] Company Overview - Founded in 1982, Dave & Buster's operates 233 venues across North America, offering entertainment and dining experiences through its brands, Dave & Buster's and Main Event [5] - The company has 172 Dave & Buster's locations in 43 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, providing a full menu and various entertainment attractions [5] - Additionally, it operates 61 Main Event stores in 22 states, featuring bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and virtual reality experiences [5]

Fly Play hf.: Financial Results Q1 2025 PLAY’s business plan continues to progress, with a clear focus on our most stable and profitable business segments: leisure and ACMI operations. Cash position strengthened to USD 21.1 million at the end of Q1 2025, up from USD 17.2 million. Operating costs in Q1 2025 were USD 58 million, compared to USD 66 million in Q1 2024. PLAY carried 286 thousand passengers in Q1 2025, compared to 349 thousand in Q1 2024. Load factor in Q1 2025 was 77.2%, compared to 81.8% in Q1 ...

Core Viewpoint - PLAY is focusing on strengthening its presence in leisure markets and securing ACMI opportunities, which is reflected in its financial results and operational strategies for Q1 2025 [5][6][10]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was USD 46.4 million, down from USD 54.4 million in Q1 2024 [15]. - Net loss for Q1 2025 was USD 26.8 million, an improvement from USD 27.2 million in Q1 2024 [18]. - Operating revenue decreased to USD 59.0 million in Q1 2025 from USD 65.7 million in Q1 2024 [2]. - Operating expenses were USD 80.2 million in Q1 2025, down from USD 90.4 million in Q1 2024 [2]. - EBIT for Q1 2025 was negative USD 21.7 million, compared to negative USD 21.3 million in Q1 2024, indicating stable performance despite revenue decline [17]. Operational Statistics - The number of passengers carried in Q1 2025 was 286,000, down from 349,000 in Q1 2024, reflecting a load factor of 77.2% compared to 81.8% in the previous year [11][12]. - The number of flights decreased to 2,203 in Q4 2024 from 2,556 in Q4 2023 [2]. - The load factor improved to 82% in Q4 2024 from 78% in Q4 2023 [2]. Strategic Focus - The company has increased leisure capacity by 17% year-over-year in Q1 2025, aligning with its strategy to focus on leisure destinations [3][12]. - A long-term ACMI agreement was secured with SkyUp Malta for four aircraft through 2027, enhancing revenue stability [3][21]. - The company plans to operate a fleet of seven aircraft during peak summer months, with new destinations including Faro, Portugal, and Antalya, Turkey, starting in summer 2025 [20]. Cost Management - CASK in Q1 2025 was 6.06 US cents, compared to 5.91 US cents in Q1 2024, indicating a slight increase in costs [17]. - The average yield per passenger rose by 1.2% year-over-year, contributing to stable RASK performance [16]. Cash Position - The cash position at the end of Q1 2025 was USD 21.1 million, an increase from USD 17.2 million at the end of Q1 2024 [18][19]. - The company continues to focus on managing liquidity and optimizing working capital to support growth initiatives [19].

Core Points - The Annual General Meeting of Fly Play hf. was held on April 9, 2025, at Grand Hotel, Reykjavik [1] Group 1 - The meeting results were attached for review [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 of fiscal 2024, comparable store sales decreased by 9.4% year-over-year on a like-for-like basis [32] - Revenue for the quarter was $535 million, with a net income of $9 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, and adjusted net income of $27 million, or $0.69 per diluted share [32] - Adjusted EBITDA was $127 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.8% [32] - Operating cash flow for the quarter was $108.9 million, ending with $6.9 million in cash and $503.5 million available under a $650 million revolving credit facility [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has reintroduced TV advertising and returned to a historical cadence of promotional activity, including the classic eat and play combo promotion [17][18] - The menu is being revamped to reintroduce popular items and improve pricing architecture [19][20] - The company completed 15 remodels in Q4, totaling 44 remodels since the program began in 2023 [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened five new stores in Q4, bringing the total to 14 new stores for fiscal 2024, including its first international franchise location in India [28][29] - The company has entered into 35 franchise partnership agreements, anticipating at least six additional franchise units opening in the next 12 months [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The current leadership is focused on a "back to basics" strategy to improve operational performance and shareholder value [11][12] - The company aims to enhance its marketing strategy by reallocating funds back to TV advertising and optimizing digital marketing [57] - A renewed focus on capital expenditures is being implemented, with expectations for total capital expenditures not to exceed $220 million in fiscal 2025 [38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in improving revenue and cash flow, with March and April showing notable improvements compared to Q4 [12][44] - The leadership team is optimistic about the company's ability to navigate economic uncertainties and capitalize on strategic opportunities [114] Other Important Information - The company repurchased nearly 3 million shares for approximately $85 million in Q4, totaling 5 million shares for fiscal 2024 [34] - The company is committed to generating free cash flow while investing in new store growth and high ROI initiatives [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Improvements seen in March and April - Management noted that March and April showed marked improvements in traffic and ticket sales, indicating a positive trend [44] Question: Impact of calendar shifts and late Easter - Management acknowledged that the holiday calendar played a role but emphasized that the overall business is building positively [46][48] Question: Back-to-basics strategy and cost structure implications - The strategy involves smarter spending on marketing and a focus on core menu items without significantly increasing costs [57][59] Question: Value proposition for the brand - Management is re-evaluating the gaming side's value proposition and testing ways to enhance guest experience [67] Question: Recent traffic and sales pressures breakdown - Management indicated that recent challenges were largely self-inflicted due to execution errors rather than competitive pressures [76][78] Question: Competitive environment and differentiation - Management believes that improving execution will mitigate competitive pressures and is focused on driving traffic through new initiatives [100][102] Question: Clarification on remodel spending and TV advertising mix - The remodel hurdle rate is expected to be lowered to mid to high single digits, and TV advertising is moving back towards a 50% mix [110][108]

Core Insights - Dave & Buster's reported revenue of $534.5 million for the quarter ended January 2025, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 10.8% [1] - The company's EPS for the same period was $0.69, down from $1.03 a year ago, with a surprise of +7.81% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.64 [1] Financial Performance - Revenue of $534.5 million was below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $544.9 million, resulting in a surprise of -1.91% [1] - Comparable Store Sales decreased by 9.4%, worse than the six-analyst average estimate of -6.2% [4] - Entertainment revenues were reported at $335 million, which is a decline of 11.6% year over year and below the average estimate of $352.84 million [4] - Food and beverage revenues reached $199.50 million, representing a year-over-year decline of 9.4%, slightly above the average estimate of $192.04 million [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Dave & Buster's have returned -12.8%, compared to a -12.1% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Company Performance - Dave & Buster's reported quarterly earnings of $0.69 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.64 per share, but down from $1.03 per share a year ago [1] - The earnings surprise for the quarter was 7.81%, while the previous quarter saw a loss of $0.45 per share against an expected loss of $0.42, resulting in a surprise of -7.14% [2] - The company posted revenues of $534.5 million for the quarter, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.91%, and down from $599.1 million year-over-year [3] Stock Performance - Dave & Buster's shares have declined approximately 42.3% since the beginning of the year, compared to a 13.7% decline in the S&P 500 [4] - The current Zacks Rank for the stock is 5 (Strong Sell), indicating expectations of underperformance in the near future [7] Future Outlook - The consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.13 on revenues of $585.07 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $2.39 on revenues of $2.21 billion [8] - The estimate revisions trend for Dave & Buster's is currently unfavorable, which may impact future stock performance [6][7] Industry Context - The Retail - Restaurants industry, to which Dave & Buster's belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 33% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 of fiscal 2024, comparable store sales decreased by 9.4% year-over-year on a like-for-like basis [32] - Revenue for the quarter was $535 million, with a net income of $9 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, and adjusted net income of $27 million, or $0.69 per diluted share [32] - Adjusted EBITDA was $127 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.8% [32] - Operating cash flow for the quarter was $108.9 million, ending with $6.9 million in cash and $503.5 million available under a $650 million revolving credit facility [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on a "back to basics" strategy, unwinding previous leadership's changes in marketing, operations, and menu offerings [11][15] - The reintroduction of TV advertising and the classic eat and play combo promotion has shown positive results in increasing check sizes [17][18] - The company completed 44 remodels under its program, with a more measured approach planned for the first half of 2025 [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened five new stores in Q4, totaling 14 new stores for fiscal 2024, including its first international franchise location in India [28][29] - The company has entered into 35 franchise partnership agreements, anticipating at least six additional franchise units to open in the next 12 months [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The current leadership is focused on improving revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow through strategic changes and operational improvements [12][13] - The company plans to open 10 to 12 new stores in fiscal 2025, with a renewed focus on high ROI initiatives and a more disciplined remodel program [39][40] - The leadership acknowledges the need to enhance competitive differentiation while correcting past mistakes [82] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about improving trends in March and April, indicating a recovery from the fourth quarter's performance [12][44] - The leadership is aware of macroeconomic challenges but believes that strengthening the business will mitigate these effects [78][114] - The company is committed to converting operating cash flow into free cash flow while maintaining a strong balance sheet [114] Other Important Information - The company repurchased nearly 3 million shares for approximately $85 million in Q4, totaling 5 million shares for fiscal 2024 [34] - The company completed sale-leaseback transactions generating $111 million in proceeds, totaling approximately $185 million for fiscal 2024 [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Improvements seen in March and April - Management noted that March and April showed marked improvements in traffic and ticket sales, indicating a positive trend [44] Question: CapEx and leaseback cash against CapEx - Management confirmed that the $220 million CapEx guidance assumes typical tenant improvements and sale-leasebacks [50][53] Question: Back-to-basics strategy and cost structure implications - The strategy involves smarter spending on marketing and a focus on core offerings without significantly increasing costs [57][59] Question: Value proposition for the brand - Management is re-evaluating the gaming value proposition and testing ways to enhance guest experience while maintaining value [67] Question: Recent traffic and sales pressures breakdown - Management indicated that recent pressures were a mix of macroeconomic factors and self-inflicted issues, with a focus on correcting past mistakes [76] Question: Competitive environment and top-line struggles - Management believes that execution issues were the primary cause of struggles, rather than competitive pressures [98] Question: Lower-income consumer trends - Management noted that while trends were unfavorable for lower-income consumers, recent marketing efforts may help drive visitation from this demographic [88] Question: CapEx outlook and breakdown - Management provided flexibility in capital spending and indicated that they would tighten up the breakdown of CapEx categories in the coming weeks [92] Question: Remodel hurdle rates and TV advertising mix - The remodel hurdle rate is expected to be lowered to mid to high single digits, with a return to a 50% mix of TV advertising [110][108]