Dave & Buster’s Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year End 2022 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment reported robust fourth quarter and fiscal year 2022 results, showcasing significant growth. Total revenue reached $563.8 million, a 64.3% increase from Q4 2021, with pro forma comparable store sales rising 19.0%. Net income surged to $39.1 million or $0.80 per diluted share. For the full year, revenue hit $2.0 billion, climbing 50.6% year-over-year, and adjusted EBITDA totaled $480.4 million, up 42.8%. The Company also announced a $100 million share repurchase program and achieved its $25 million annual synergy target ahead of schedule.

Positive

• Q4 revenue increased 64.3% to $563.8 million.
• Net income rose to $39.1 million, or $0.80 per diluted share.
• Fiscal year 2022 revenue grew 50.6% to $2.0 billion.
• Adjusted EBITDA for FY 2022 reached $480.4 million, up 42.8%.
• Achieved $25 million annual synergy target ahead of schedule.
• Authorized a $100 million share repurchase program.

Negative

• None.

Company Announces $100 Million Share Repurchase Program and Achievement of its Synergy Target

DALLAS, March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc., (NASDAQ: PLAY), (“Dave & Buster’s” or “the Company”), an owner and operator of entertainment and dining venues, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 29, 2023.

Key Fourth Quarter 2022 Highlights

• Revenue of $563.8 million in the quarter increased 64.3% from the fourth quarter of 2021 and increased 62.4% from the fourth quarter of 2019. Including the pro forma contribution of Main Event in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2019, this quarter’s revenue grew 27.7% and 30.1%, respectively.
• Pro forma combined comparable store sales (including Main Event branded stores) increased 19.0% compared with the same period in 2021 and 14.1% compared with the same period in 2019.
• Net income totaled $39.1 million, or 80 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $25.7 million, or 52 cents per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2021 and net income of $25.0 million, or 80 cents per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2019.
• Adjusted EBITDA (as newly defined to not add back pre-opening expense) of $138.4 million in the quarter increased 62.9% from the fourth quarter of 2021 and increased 85.1% from the fourth quarter of 2019. Including the pro forma contribution of Main Event in the fourth quarter of 2021 and 2019, this quarter’s Adjusted EBITDA grew 30.7% and 48.4%, respectively.
• The Company opened a new Main Event store in Beaumont, TX.
• The Company ended the quarter with $672.7 million of liquidity, which included $181.6 million in cash and $491.1 million available under its $500 million revolving credit facility.

Key Fiscal Year 2022 Highlights

• Revenue of $2.0 billion in fiscal year 2022 increased 50.6% from fiscal year 2021 and increased 45.0% from fiscal year 2019.
• Net income totaled $137.1 million, or $2.79 per diluted share, in fiscal year 2022 compared with net income of $108.6 million, or $2.21 per diluted share, in fiscal year 2021 and net income of $100.3 million, or $2.94 per diluted share in fiscal 2019.
• The Company completed its acquisition of Main Event on June 29, 2022. The Company successfully achieved implementation of the activities for its forecasted $25 million annual synergy target previously disclosed and continues to identify opportunities in excess of that target.
• The Company opened seven new Dave & Buster’s locations and one new Main Event location in fiscal year 2022. Subsequent to the end of the year, the Company has opened an additional Dave & Buster’s location in Puerto Rico and two additional Main Event locations in Little Rock, AR and Tucson, AZ taking the total combined store count to 207.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $480.4 million in fiscal year 2022 increased 42.8% from fiscal year 2021 and increased 58.3% from fiscal year 2019.
  

“Driven by robust comparable walk-in sales growth and the tailwind of our special events business continuing its recovery toward pre-pandemic norms, we are pleased to report another strong quarter of financial results to mark our first fiscal year-end as a combined company. As a testament to this strength as well as the confidence we have in our future growth initiatives, our Board authorized a share repurchase program up to $100 million,” said Chris Morris, Dave & Buster’s Chief Executive Officer. “Fresh off the heels of our annual general manager’s conference, our exceptional team of operators and shared service center employees is motivated and energized to deliver on our goals we’ve set for the business in 2023 and beyond to realize our full potential. We look forward to sharing our progress with you throughout the course of the year as we continue to drive value creation for our stakeholders.”

Fourth Quarter 2022 Results

Total revenue was a record $563.8 million, an increase of 64.3% from $343.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 and an increase of 62.4% from $347.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. Including the pro forma contribution of Main Event stores in the prior periods, total revenue increased 27.7% versus the fourth quarter of 2021 and increased 30.1% versus the fourth quarter of 2019.

Pro forma combined comparable store sales (including Main Event branded stores) increased 19.0% compared with the fourth quarter of 2021 and increased 14.1% compared with the fourth quarter of 2019. Pro forma combined walk-in comparable store sales increased 12.1% while Special Event comparable store sales increased 89.5% compared with the same period in 2021. Pro forma combined walk-in comparable store sales increased 18.0% while consolidated Special Event comparable store sales declined 6.4% compared with the same period in 2019. Non-comparable store revenue totaled $131.5 million in the fourth quarter.

Operating income totaled $77.2 million, or 13.8% of revenue, compared with operating income of $46.5 million, or 13.6% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2021 and operating income of $37.6 million, or 10.9% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Net income totaled $39.1 million, or 80 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $25.7 million, or 52 cents per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2021 and net income of $25.0 million, or 80 cents per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Adjusted EBITDA totaled $138.4 million, or 24.5% of revenue, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of $84.9 million, or 24.8% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2021 and Adjusted EBITDA of $74.8 million, or 21.5% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Store operating income before depreciation and amortization totaled $169.1 million, or 30.0% of revenue, compared with store operating income before depreciation and amortization of $101.1 million, or 29.5% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2021 and store operating income before depreciation and amortization of $96.3 million, or 27.7% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Balance Sheet, Liquidity and Cash Flow

The Company generated $143.5 million in operating cash flow during the fourth quarter, ending the quarter with $181.6 million in cash and $491.1 million of availability under its $500 million revolving credit facility, net of $8.9 million in outstanding letters of credit. The Company ended the year with a Net Total Leverage Ratio of 1.9x as defined under its Credit Agreement as the ratio of the aggregate principal amount of any Consolidated Debt less Unrestricted Cash and unrestricted Permitted Investments to Credit Adjusted EBITDA. The Company’s maximum permitted Net Total Leverage Ratio is 3.5x.

“Entering our strongest quarter from a seasonal cash generation perspective with nearly $673 million of liquidity, we are in an enviable position to execute on our long-term new store growth goals, remodel existing stores to drive incremental traffic, and return capital to shareholders,” said Michael Quartieri, Dave & Buster’s Chief Financial Officer. “We’ve completed all the initiatives required to achieve our previously disclosed $25 million synergy target ahead of schedule, which is a testament to the incredible work our team has done to integrate these two great brands. We remain committed to achieving operational excellence and continuous improvement as we progress into the future.”

Share Repurchase Authorization

The Company announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $100 million of its common stock through the end of fiscal 2023. The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

Annual Report on Form 10-K Available

The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, will be available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s investor relations website, contains a thorough review of its financial results for the fiscal year and fourth quarter ended January 29, 2023.

Investor Conference Call and Webcast

Management will hold a conference call to report these results on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Participants can access the conference call by dialing toll-free (877) 883-0383. The international dial-in for participants is (412) 902-6506. The participant entry number is 5052728. A replay will be available after the call for one year beginning at 6:00 p.m. Central Time (7:00 p.m. Eastern Time) and can be accessed by dialing toll-free (877) 344-7529 or by the international toll number (412) 317-0088; the replay access code 4609682. Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available under the Investor Relations section at www.daveandbusters.com.

About Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.

Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Coppell, Texas, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc., is the owner and operator of 207 venues in North America that offer premier entertainment and dining experiences to guests through two distinct brands: Dave & Buster’s and Main Event. The Company has 152 Dave & Buster’s branded stores in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada and offers guests the opportunity to “Eat Drink Play and Watch,” all in one location. Each store offers a full menu of entrées and appetizers, a complete selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and an extensive assortment of entertainment attractions centered around playing games and watching live sports and other televised events. The Company also operates 55 Main Event branded stores in 18 states across the country, and offers state-of-the-art bowling, laser tag, hundreds of arcade games and virtual reality, making it the perfect place for families to connect and make memories. For more information about each brand, visit daveandbusters.com and mainevent.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The Company cautions that this release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including: our ability to continue as a going concern; our ability to obtain waivers, and thereafter continue to satisfy covenant requirements, under our revolving credit facility; our ability to access other funding sources; our overall level of indebtedness; general business and economic conditions, including as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and any new coronavirus variants; the impact of competition; the seasonality of the Company’s business; adverse weather conditions; future commodity prices; guest and employee complaints and litigation; fuel and utility costs; labor costs and availability; changes in consumer and corporate spending; changes in demographic trends; changes in governmental regulations; unfavorable publicity, our ability to open new stores, and acts of God. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements, and the Company therefore cautions you against relying on such forward-looking statements. Dave & Buster’s intends these forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time of this release and does not undertake to update or revise them as more appropriate information becomes available, except as required by law.

*Non-GAAP Measures

To supplement its consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, the Company uses the following non-GAAP financial measures: EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Credit Adjusted EBITDA (calculated in accordance with the Company’s credit agreement, additional details of which can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K), Credit Adjusted EBITDA margin, Store operating income before depreciation and amortization, Store operating income before depreciation and amortization margin, and pro forma financials including Main Event branded stores prior to the Company’s ownership, reconciliations of which can be found on our website (collectively the “non-GAAP financial measures”). The presentation of this financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. The Company believes that they provide useful information about operating results, enhance the overall understanding of our operating performance and future prospects, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision making. The non-GAAP measures used by the Company in this press release may be different from the measures used by other companies.

For Investor Relations Inquiries:

Cory Hatton, VP Investor Relations & Treasurer
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.
cory.hatton@daveandbusters.com

DAVE & BUSTER’S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

	13 Weeks Ended						13 Weeks Ended						13 Weeks Ended
	January 29, 2023						January 30, 2022						February 2, 2020
Food and beverage revenues	$	203,571		36.1	%		$	120,126		35.0	%		$	152,797		44.0	%
Amusement and other revenues		360,190		63.9	%			222,976		65.0	%			194,361		56.0	%
Total revenues		563,761		100.0	%			343,102		100.0	%			347,158		100.0	%
Cost of food and beverage (as a percentage of food and beverage revenues)		55,087		27.1	%			32,757		27.3	%			39,124		25.6	%
Cost of amusement and other (as a percentage of amusement and other revenues)		31,965		8.9	%			22,119		9.9	%			20,659		10.6	%
Total cost of products		87,052		15.4	%			54,876		16.0	%			59,783		17.2	%
Operating payroll and benefits		137,776		24.4	%			77,366		22.5	%			83,005		23.9	%
Other store operating expenses		169,857		30.1	%			109,778		32.0	%			108,097		31.1	%
General and administrative expenses		39,053		6.9	%			17,836		5.2	%			20,422		5.9	%
Depreciation and amortization expense		48,972		8.7	%			33,974		9.9	%			35,234		10.1	%
Pre-opening costs		3,835		0.7	%			2,723		0.8	%			3,001		0.9	%
Total operating costs		486,545		86.2	%			296,553		86.4	%			309,542		89.1	%
Operating income		77,216		13.8	%			46,549		13.6	%			37,616		10.9	%
Interest expense, net		30,481		5.4	%			11,939		3.5	%			6,166		1.8	%
Loss on debt extinguishment / refinancing		—		—	%			2,788		0.8	%			—		—	%
Income before provision for income taxes		46,735		8.4	%			31,822		9.3	%			31,450		9.1	%
Provision for income taxes		7,591		1.3	%			6,172		1.8	%			6,468		1.9	%
Net income	$	39,144		7.1	%		$	25,650		7.5	%		$	24,982		7.2	%
Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.81					$	0.53					$	0.82
Diluted	$	0.80					$	0.52					$	0.80
Weighted average shares used in per share calculations:
Basic shares		48,328,524						48,416,687						30,584,360
Diluted shares		49,006,140						49,268,800						31,158,919
Other information:
Company-owned stores at end of period		204						144						136
Store operating weeks in the period		2,641						1,857						1,757
Total revenue per store operating weeks in the period	$	213					$	185					$	198

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods shown:

	13 Weeks Ended						13 Weeks Ended						13 Weeks Ended
	January 29, 2023						January 30, 2022						February 2, 2020
Net income (loss)	$	39,144		6.9	%		$	25,650		7.5	%		$	24,982		7.2	%
Add back: Interest expense, net		30,481						11,939						6,166
Loss on debt extinguishment / refinancing		—						2,788						—
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		7,591						6,172						6,468
Depreciation and amortization expense		48,972						33,974						35,234
EBITDA		126,188		22.4	%			80,523		23.5	%			72,850		21.0	%
Add back: Loss on asset disposal		157						758						529
Impairment of long-lived assets and lease termination costs		—						912						—
Share-based compensation		8,513						2,536						1,378
Merger & integration costs		2,958						—						—
Information systems implementation costs and other items		566						207						8
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure (1)	$	138,382		24.5	%		$	84,936		24.8	%		$	74,765		21.5	%

⁽¹⁾   To more closely align our reported Adjusted EBITDA with recurring operating cash flows, we excluded pre-opening costs from Adjusted EBITDA beginning with the 13 Weeks Ended January 29, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the 13 Weeks Ended January 30, 2022 and February 2, 2020 has been adjusted to reflect comparable presentations.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of operating income to store operating income before depreciation and amortization for the periods shown:

	13 Weeks Ended						13 Weeks Ended						13 Weeks Ended
	January 29, 2023						January 30, 2022						February 2, 2020
Operating income	$	77,216		13.7	%		$	46,549		13.6	%		$	37,616		10.8	%
Add back: General and administrative expenses		39,053						17,836						20,422
Depreciation and amortization expense		48,972						33,974						35,234
Pre-opening costs		3,835						2,723						3,001
Store operating income before depreciation and amortization, a non-GAAP measure	$	169,076		30.0	%		$	101,082		29.5	%		$	96,273		27.7	%

DAVE & BUSTER’S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

	52 Weeks Ended						52 Weeks Ended						52 Weeks Ended
	January 29, 2023						January 30, 2022						February 2, 2020
Food and beverage revenue	$	678,333		34.5	%		$	436,637		33.5	%		$	563,576		41.6	%
Amusement and other revenue		1,286,094		65.5	%			867,419		66.5	%			791,115		58.4	%
Total revenue		1,964,427		100.0	%			1,304,056		100.0	%			1,354,691		100.0	%
Cost of food and beverage (as a percentage of food and beverage revenue)		193,742		28.6	%			119,123		27.3	%			148,196		26.3	%
Cost of amusement and other (as a percentage of amusement and other revenue)		115,122		9.0	%			85,848		9.9	%			85,115		10.8	%
Total cost of products		308,864		15.7	%			204,971		15.7	%			233,311		17.2	%
Operating payroll and benefits		470,729		24.0	%			287,263		22.0	%			322,970		23.8	%
Other store operating expenses		600,568		30.6	%			402,661		30.9	%			429,431		31.7	%
General and administrative expenses		137,837		7.0	%			75,501		5.8	%			69,469		5.1	%
Depreciation and amortization expense		169,302		8.6	%			138,329		10.6	%			132,460		9.8	%
Pre-opening costs		14,619		0.7	%			8,150		0.6	%			18,971		1.4	%
Total operating costs		1,701,919		86.6	%			1,116,875		85.6	%			1,206,612		89.0	%
Operating income		262,508		13.4	%			187,181		14.4	%			148,079		11.0	%
Interest expense, net		87,363		4.5	%			53,910		4.2	%			20,937		1.6	%
Loss on debt refinancing / extinguishment		1,479		0.1	%			5,617		0.4	%			—		—	%
Income before provision for income taxes		173,666		8.8	%			127,654		9.8	%			127,142		9.4	%
Provision for income taxes		36,531		1.9	%			19,014		1.5	%			26,879		2.0	%
Net income	$	137,135		6.9	%		$	108,640		8.3	%		$	100,263		7.4	%
Net income per share:
Basic	$	2.83					$	2.26					$	3.00
Diluted	$	2.79					$	2.21					$	2.94
Weighted average shares used in per share calculations:
Basic shares		48,498,053						48,142,090						33,450,217
Diluted shares		49,176,977						49,263,720						34,099,378
Other information:
Company-owned stores at end of period		204						144						136
Store operating weeks in the period		9,304						7,161						6,769
Total revenue per store operating weeks in the period	$	211					$	182					$	200

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods shown:

	52 Weeks Ended						52 Weeks Ended						52 Weeks Ended
	January 29, 2023						January 30, 2022						February 2, 2020
Net income	$	137,135		7.0	%		$	108,640		8.3	%		$	100,263		7.4	%
Add back: Interest expense, net		87,363						53,910						20,937
Loss on debt extinguishment / refinancing		1,479						5,617						—
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		36,531						19,014						26,879
Depreciation and amortization expense		169,302						138,329						132,460
EBITDA		431,810		22.0	%			325,510		25.0	%			280,539		20.7	%
Add back: Loss on asset disposal		769						1,392						1,813
Impairment of long-lived assets and lease termination costs		1,841						912						—
Share-based compensation		19,994						12,472						6,857
Merger & integration costs		25,257						—						—
Information systems implementation costs and other items		696						3,289						42
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure (1)	$	480,367		24.5	%		$	343,575		26.3	%		$	289,251		21.4	%

⁽¹⁾ To more closely align our reported Adjusted EBITDA with recurring operating cash flows, we excluded pre-opening costs from Adjusted EBITDA beginning with the 52 Weeks Ended January 29, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the 52 Weeks Ended January 30, 2022 and February 2, 2020 has been adjusted to reflect comparable presentations.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of operating income to store operating income before depreciation and amortization for the periods shown:

	52 Weeks Ended						52 Weeks Ended						52 Weeks Ended
	January 29, 2023						January 30, 2022						February 2, 2020
Operating income	$	262,508		13.4	%		$	187,181		14.4	%		$	148,079		10.9	%
Add back: General and administrative expenses		137,837						75,501						69,469
Depreciation and amortization expense		169,302						138,329						132,460
Pre-opening costs		14,619						8,150						18,971
Store operating income before depreciation and amortization, a non-GAAP measure	$	584,266		29.7	%		$	409,161		31.4	%		$	368,979		27.2	%

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of Net income to Credit Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in our senior secured credit facility, for the periods shown:

	13 Weeks Ended January 29, 2023			52 Weeks Ended January 29, 2023
Net income	$	39,144		$	137,135
Add back: Interest expense, net		30,481			87,363
Loss on debt extinguishment / refinancing		—			1,479
Provision for income taxes		7,591			36,531
Depreciation and amortization expense		48,972			169,302
EBITDA		126,188			431,810
Add back: Loss on asset disposal		157			769
Impairment of long-lived assets and lease termination costs		—			1,841
Share-based compensation		8,513			19,994
Pre-opening costs		3,835			14,619
Merger and integration costs		2,958			25,257
Amusement deferrals		6,383			14,853
Proforma Main Event adjustments (1)		—			49,886
Information systems implementation costs and other items		566			696
Credit Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure	$	148,600		$	559,725

⁽¹⁾ Total adjustment amount for Main Event for periods prior to the Company’s ownership during the trailing four quarter Test Period, as defined on a Pro Forma Basis in our senior secured credit facility.

The following table provides a calculation of Net Total Leverage Ratio, as defined in our senior secured credit facility, for the period shown:

	As of and for Fiscal Year Ended January 29, 2023
Credit Adjusted EBITDA (a)	$	559,725
Total long-term debt	$	1,231,211
Less: Cash and cash equivalents	$	(181,591	)
Add: Outstanding letters of credit	$	8,905
Net debt (b)	$	1,058,525
Net Total Leverage Ratio (b / a)		1.9

DAVE & BUSTER’S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)

ASSETS	January 29, 2023			January 30, 2022
Cash and cash equivalents	$	181,591		$	25,910
Other current assets		112,116			119,661
Total current assets		293,707			145,571
Property and equipment, net		1,180,231			778,597
Operating lease right of use assets		1,333,596			1,037,197
Intangible and other assets, net		953,459			384,425
Total assets	$	3,760,993		$	2,345,790
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Total current liabilities	$	438,037		$	311,515
Operating lease liabilities		1,567,794			1,277,539
Other long-term liabilities		121,916			49,881
Long-term debt, net		1,222,711			431,395
Stockholders’ equity		410,535			275,460
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,760,993		$	2,345,790

FAQ

What were the fourth quarter financial results for Dave & Buster’s (PLAY)?

In Q4 2022, Dave & Buster's reported revenue of $563.8 million, a 64.3% increase year-over-year, and net income of $39.1 million, or $0.80 per diluted share.

What was Dave & Buster’s total revenue for fiscal year 2022?

For fiscal year 2022, Dave & Buster’s reported total revenue of $2.0 billion, a 50.6% increase from fiscal year 2021.

What is the significance of the $100 million share repurchase program announced by Dave & Buster’s (PLAY)?

The $100 million share repurchase program reflects the company’s confidence in its growth initiatives and aims to return value to shareholders.

How much did Dave & Buster’s achieve in adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2022?

Dave & Buster’s achieved an adjusted EBITDA of $480.4 million for fiscal year 2022, an increase of 42.8% compared to fiscal year 2021.

What were the main drivers behind Dave & Buster’s financial growth in 2022?

The financial growth was driven by robust comparable walk-in sales and a recovery in special events business towards pre-pandemic levels.