Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (PLAY) Earnings
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. is expected to report next earnings on June 15, 2026 (in NaN days), with a consensus EPS estimate of $0.60. PLAY has beaten EPS estimates in 5 of its last 12 reported quarters (average surprise -65.8% over the last four).
| Report date | EPS est | EPS actual | Surprise | Revenue | Rev. surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31, 2026 | $0.39 | $-0.35 | -189.7% | $530M | -4.7% |
| Dec 9, 2025 | $-1.16 | $-1.14 | +1.7% | $448M | -19.5% |
| Sep 15, 2025 | $0.88 | $0.40 | -54.5% | $557M | +21.0% |
| Jun 10, 2025 | $0.96 | $0.76 | -20.8% | $568M | +4.5% |
| Dec 10, 2024 | $-0.31 | $-0.45 | -45.2% | $453M | -2.3% |
| Sep 10, 2024 | $0.84 | $0.99 | +17.9% | $557M | -0.6% |
| Jun 12, 2024 | $1.70 | $0.99 | -41.8% | $588M | -5.3% |
| Dec 5, 2023 | $-0.22 | $0.01 | +104.5% | $467M | -23.2% |
| Sep 6, 2023 | $0.94 | $0.94 | +0.0% | $542M | -3.0% |
| Jun 6, 2023 | $1.24 | $1.45 | +16.9% | $597M | -0.7% |
| Dec 6, 2022 | $0.04 | $0.04 | +2.9% | $481M | +2.2% |
| Sep 7, 2022 | $1.07 | $0.59 | -44.9% | $468M | +8.2% |
Source: company filings + earnings calendar. For informational purposes only — not investment advice.
Earnings call summary
Q4 FY2026 · March 31, 2026
AI summary of management’s prepared remarks and analyst Q&A. For informational purposes only — not investment advice.
Management highlights
Tarun Lal mentioned back to basics strategy gaining traction. Marketing: reconstructed strategy, simplified calendar, leveraged data, planned culturally relevant promotions. Food & beverage: new menu launched in Oct 2025, F&B same-store sales up ~7% in Q4, Eat & Play Combo opt-in improved. Games: introducing at least 10 new games and attractions in 2026, including culturally relevant IPs. Operations: reinvesting in field ops, training programs, revamping labor model, elevating culture. Remodel program: opened 3 new remodels, 3 under construction, plan to open 4 more in next 9 months.
Guidance
Management highly confident in 2026 to increase same-store sales, revenue, adjusted EBITDA, generate over $100 million in free cash flow. Net CapEx no more than $200 million in 2026.
Segment performance
Dave & Buster's brand had 6 consecutive fiscal months of improving same-store sales excluding 3-day Winter Storm Fern impact, ended February roughly flat. F&B same-store sales positive for last 6 fiscal months through February 2026, grew ~7% in Q4. Special events grew nearly 7%. Remodel locations outperform non-remodeled by ~700 basis points.
Analyst Q&A
Q: Andy Barish on macro impact, consumer behavior;
A: Darin Harper on hard to parse macro vs holiday shifts.
Q: Andrew Strelzik on amusement business, marketing;
A: Tarun Lal on product investment, customer insights, media mix.
Q: Dennis Geiger on free cash flow, CapEx;
A: Darin Harper on no incremental EBITDA guidance, CapEx variance.
Q: Michael Hickey on 1Q same-store sales, games;
A: Tarun Lal on new games, World Cup related games.
Q: Jeffrey Farmer on same-store sales and margins, half-price games;
A: Darin Harper on margin impact, consumer response.
Q: Brian Vaccaro on same-store sales cadence, new unit openings, marketing spend;
A: Darin Harper on cadence, opening timeline, marketing plans