Home 
Today's Top Picks 
Top Performers 
Watchlist 
My Robo Portfolios 
ETF Zone 
Help & Tutorial - Chart
- Upturn Summary
- Highlights
- Revenue
- Valuation
- About
PLAY 
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment (PLAY)
- BUY Advisory
- SELL Advisory (Profit)
- SELL Advisory (Loss)
- Profit
- Loss
- Pass (Skip investing)
Stock price based on last close (see disclosures)
- ALL
- 1Y
- 1M
- 1W
Upturn Advisory Summary
01/09/2026: PLAY (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Below Average Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, often underperform the market, warranting careful consideration before investing.
Number of Analysts
10 Analysts rated it
Moderately tracked stock, growing coverage, gaining market and investor attention.
1 Year Target Price $26.38
1 Year Target Price $26.38
| 2 | Strong Buy |
| 1 | Buy |
| 7 | Hold |
| 0 | Sell |
| 0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 27.7% | Avg. Invested days 33 | Today’s Advisory WEAK BUY |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  3.0 | Stock Returns Performance  3.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 01/09/2026 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 596.85M USD | Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 26.38 |
Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 26.38 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 10 | Beta 1.74 | 52 Weeks Range 13.04 - 35.53 | Updated Date 01/9/2026 |
52 Weeks Range 13.04 - 35.53 | Updated Date 01/9/2026 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) - | Basic EPS (TTM) -0.01 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Geography revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 0.01% | Operating Margin (TTM) -3.37% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 2.5% | Return on Equity (TTM) 0.17% |
Valuation
Trailing PE - | Forward PE 8.32 | Enterprise Value 3778947360 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.28 |
Enterprise Value 3778947360 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.28 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.79 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 9.66 | Shares Outstanding 34680265 | Shares Floating 24416987 |
Shares Outstanding 34680265 | Shares Floating 24416987 | ||
Percent Insiders 2.24 | Percent Institutions 124.43 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment
Company Overview
History and Background
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. was founded in 1982 by Dave Corriveau and James "Buster" Buster. The first location opened in Dallas, Texas, combining a restaurant with a wide array of arcade games and sports viewing. The company experienced significant growth through franchising and corporate expansion. A major milestone was its acquisition by Fortress Investment Group in 2006 and its subsequent return to the public market through an IPO in 2014. The company has evolved to focus more on its dining experience and event hosting while maintaining its core entertainment offerings.
Core Business Areas
- Entertainment: This segment includes the operation of arcade-style games, virtual reality experiences, and other interactive entertainment attractions within its venues. Revenue is generated through game credits purchased by customers.
- Food and Beverage: This segment comprises the sale of a full-service food menu and a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This is a significant revenue driver for the company.
- Private Events and Parties: Dave & Buster's venues are designed to host private parties, corporate events, and other group gatherings, offering customized packages for food, beverages, and entertainment.
Leadership and Structure
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. is led by a management team with a CEO, CFO, and other executive officers responsible for overseeing operations, marketing, finance, and human resources. The company operates a corporate structure with a board of directors providing governance and strategic direction.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Gaming and Entertainment: Offers a wide variety of arcade games, including classic favorites, modern video games, and skill-based challenges. Revenue is primarily generated from game credits. Competitors include other entertainment venues, arcades, and home entertainment options.
- Full-Service Dining: Provides a diverse menu of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, alongside a comprehensive bar with a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Competitors include casual dining restaurants and sports bars.
- Sports Viewing Experience: Multiple high-definition screens showcasing live sporting events, creating a sports bar atmosphere. Competitors include dedicated sports bars and other entertainment venues with large screen capabilities.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
Dave & Buster's operates within the entertainment and casual dining sectors. The industry is characterized by a demand for experiential entertainment, social gatherings, and convenient dining options. Key trends include the integration of technology, the demand for unique experiences, and the impact of economic conditions on discretionary spending.
Positioning
Dave & Buster's occupies a unique niche as an 'eatertainment' destination, differentiating itself by combining a full-service restaurant and bar with a high-energy arcade and sports viewing experience. Its competitive advantages include its established brand recognition, large-format venues, and its ability to cater to both individual consumers and group events.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The total addressable market for Dave & Buster's is multifaceted, encompassing the casual dining market, the amusement and entertainment sector, and the events and private party market. While specific TAM figures are dynamic and vary by region, the combined value of these sectors is in the hundreds of billions of dollars globally. Dave & Buster's is well-positioned within this TAM by offering a differentiated, multi-faceted experience that appeals to a broad demographic seeking entertainment and dining combined.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Unique 'eatertainment' concept blending dining and gaming.
- Strong brand recognition and established customer base.
- Large, versatile venues suitable for events and group gatherings.
- Diversified revenue streams from food, beverage, and games.
- Strategic locations in high-traffic areas.
Weaknesses
- Reliance on discretionary consumer spending, making it susceptible to economic downturns.
- Operational complexity of managing both food service and entertainment.
- Potential for high capital expenditure for venue upgrades and game acquisition.
- Competition from both dedicated entertainment venues and traditional restaurants.
Opportunities
- Expansion into new markets and international territories.
- Leveraging technology for enhanced gaming experiences and loyalty programs.
- Developing new food and beverage offerings to attract a wider audience.
- Increasing focus on private event bookings and corporate partnerships.
- Exploring smaller-format concepts or partnerships.
Threats
- Intensifying competition from various entertainment and dining options.
- Changing consumer preferences and entertainment trends.
- Rising labor and operational costs.
- Potential for negative publicity related to safety or service.
- Economic recessions impacting consumer spending on leisure.
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- Chuck E. Cheese (CEC Entertainment Holdings LLC - Private)
- Topgolf (Callaway Golf Company - MODG)
- Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (PLAY)
Competitive Landscape
Dave & Buster's holds a significant position in the eatertainment market, distinguished by its adult-oriented atmosphere and broader appeal compared to family-focused arcades. Its large venues and comprehensive offerings provide an advantage in attracting diverse groups. However, it faces direct competition from Topgolf for entertainment-seeking adults and from a vast array of casual dining establishments for food and beverage spending.
Major Acquisitions
Main Event Entertainment
- Year: 2022
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 835
- Strategic Rationale: The acquisition of Main Event Entertainment, a family-friendly entertainment center operator, diversifies Dave & Buster's portfolio and expands its reach into a family-oriented market segment. It aims to create a more robust and varied 'eatertainment' offering.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Discussion of Dave & Buster's revenue and earnings growth trends over the past 5-10 years, noting periods of expansion and any significant fluctuations.
Future Projections: Summary of analyst consensus estimates for future revenue and earnings growth, typically over the next 1-3 years. This will be presented as arrays for graphical representation.
Recent Initiatives: Focus on enhancing the in-store customer experience.,Introduction of new menu items and beverage innovations.,Investment in technology to improve operational efficiency and customer engagement.,Strategic store remodeling and optimization.
Summary
Dave & Buster's Entertainment (PLAY) is a strong player in the 'eatertainment' sector, uniquely combining dining with a robust gaming experience. Its established brand and diverse offerings provide a solid foundation. The recent acquisition of Main Event Entertainment signals a strategic move to broaden its market appeal. However, the company must navigate economic sensitivities, evolving consumer tastes, and intense competition to sustain growth and profitability.
Similar Stocks
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. Investor Relations
- Financial news outlets (e.g., Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal)
- Industry analysis reports
- SEC Filings (10-K, 10-Q)
Disclaimers:
This analysis is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. Market share data is an estimate and may vary based on the definition of the market segment. Financial metrics are subject to change based on the latest reported data.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Dave & Buster’s Entertainment
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters Coppell, TX, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1995-06-06 | CEO & Director Mr. Tarun Lal | ||
Sector Communication Services | Industry Entertainment | Full time employees 23420 | Website https://daveandbusters.com |
Full time employees 23420 | Website https://daveandbusters.com | ||
Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. owns and operates entertainment and dining venues for adults and families in North America. Its venues offer a menu of entrées and appetizers, as well as a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; and an assortment of entertainment attractions centered on playing games and watching live sports, and other televised events. The company also offers food, drinks, and entertainment, including bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and virtual reality. The company operates its venues under the Dave & Buster's and Main Event brands. Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Coppell, Texas.
Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.